Ihlara valley is situated 40km from Aksaray and can be reached making a turn at the 11th km of the Aksaray-Nevsehir road.
The canyon was created by the cracking and collapsing which occurred as a result of basalt and andesite lava from Mt. Hasandag’s eruption. The Melendiz river found its way through these cracks, eroding the canyon bed and helping to form canyon we see today. The Melendiz river used to be called “Potamus Kapadukus”meaning the River of Cappadocia.
Ihlara Canyon is 14km long, 100 -150m high valley begins at Ihlara valley and ends at Selime. There are numerous dwellings, churches and graves built into the valley walls, some of which are connected by tunnels and corridors.
The valley proved to be an ideal place for the seclusion and worship of monks, and a hideaway and defense area for people during times of invasion.
The decorations in the churches can be dated to various times from the 6th to the 13th centuries, and the churches can be classified into two groups. The churches near to Ihlara display frescoes with oriental influence. Those nearer to Belisirma display Byzantine type decorations.
Very few Byzantine inscriptions in this area can be read. Above a 13th century fresco in the church of St. George (Kirkdamatli), the names of Seljuk Sultan Mesud II (1282 – 1305) and the Byzantine Emperor Andronicos II are inscribed. This is proof of the tolerance of the Seljuk rulers. The best preserved frescos are to be found in the churches of Agacalti, Purenliseki, Kokar, Yilanli and Kirkdamatli.
Ihlara Valley is a 7km canyon cut into the dry Cappadocian wilderness by the Melendiz River. The floor of the gorge is lush and verdant. There are lots of rockcut Byzantine churches hidden in the vertical valley walls. It was a favourite place for early Christians to hide from Roman persecution.
Maybe it is because we visited in summer and maybe it is because we have seen better valleys or maybe because we visited it as part of a tour group and did not get the chance to scramble up to the numerous cave churches that dot the valley we did not consider it that spectacular. Don't get us wrong- it…
The hike down into the valley was refreshing, but in my opinion could have been done in a better way. Walking down into the Ihlara Valley, for me, was quite an interesting trip from a historical point of view. Please make sure that you know that the hike is over 7 km long and be prepared for it.
The trail is 14 km long and the popular way to is walk 4 km till you reach Belisirma – a restaurant. It's beautiful with the Melendez river flowing next to the trail and mountains beyond. The trail is dotted with beautiful flora. Not much of a climb compared to the other attractions (unlike the Sumeli monastery).
Ihlara Valley has to be one of the best hikes in Cappadocia.
We enjoyed a lot our trip to Ihlara Valley. You find yourself in the middle of nature, green spaces, river, stone caves and churches.
The pictures speak by themselves.
We spent five days in Cappadocia for our honeymoon, and I have to say I liked the Ihlara Valley the best out of all the places we visited. It was just really beautiful. I wish to have seen more of it, however I was happy with what I was able to see :).
We hiked 4 km through this valley with our guide and tour group. We started down a long staircase until we reached the river, then it was a fairly steady hike to the nearest village. The hiking trail was so scenic and beautiful. Take bug spray with you and try to go with a group.
I assume that in the summer it is very hot to do this walking, in the winter it is imposible. But if you come at the right season you can enjoy a nice walking in the valley.
Ihlara Valley
If you need a change of pace from the dry, tufa landscape and fairy chimneys of Goreme, head south to the lush, green Ihlara Valley for a day. Past Uchisar, the landscape gets greener, fields of wheat flank the road and sway gently against the backdrop of snowcapped Mt. Hasan on the horizon. The road begins a gradual…
This place had great views and a lot of churches. Nice place to explore on your own or with a group. They have a cafe at the bottom where you can buy overpriced stuff. I think it is about 4km from 1 exit to the other. In total about 13 km walk end to end.